The Association for New Canadians’ Journey of Hope Program is making great strides in addressing the mental health of newcomers.
The arts-based program has been described as therapy toward helping newcomers cope with their new situation.
Najma Sadat, who first arrived in Canada two years ago, says it is difficult moving to a new place, and those challenges were amplified by the pandemic as they couldn’t interact with other people. She says the situation was starting to affect her mood.
Through the association’s program, she was able to create art that represents her strengths, capabilities, and loved ones.
She says the program helped her recall her strengths and restore her confidence.